Axios Chicago

July 26, 2022
Happy Tuesday! On this day in 1893, the first commercially produced Addressograph was made in Chicago. The machine was the first of its kind to speed up printing labels on envelopes.
😎 Today's weather: Continues to be mild. Mostly sunny with a high of 81.
Today's newsletter is 923 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Doubling down on Soldier Field
A domed Soldier Field could be coming to the Museum Campus. Photo courtesy of Landmark Development
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pulling out all the stops to keep the Bears at Soldier Field.
- The mayor and planners presented three options to renovate the Park District-run stadium yesterday.
Why it matters: Losing the Bears to Arlington Heights, where they have expressed interest in moving, would have a significant economic impact on the city.
- The proposed renovations could also create new recreation opportunities for millions of non-football fans the rest of the year.
What they're saying: Lightfoot said at the press conference that the city is doing "everything we can to persuade [the Bears] to stay. But should they choose to leave, we've got alternative scenarios."
- "One way or another, we have to invest in Soldier Field."
Zoom in: The three new options for a "revitalized and reimagined" Soldier Field are:
- A domed stadium built over and around the current Soldier Field.
- An open-air, dome-ready stadium built around the current Soldier Field.
- A multipurpose stadium that would host soccer matches and live events.
What's more: The proposals include redesigning the Museum Campus, including improvements to Northerly Island and the infrastructure surrounding DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
By the numbers: The price tag will vary based on which option is chosen and could be anywhere from $900 million to $2.2 billion.
- But the city is still paying a loan on the 2003 renovation, which will be paid off in 2032.
Yes, but: Soldier Field remains the smallest stadium in the NFL. No dome will create the number of seats a new stadium can.
- And the Bears haven't shown interest in returning to Soldier Field when the lease is up in 2033, telling the Daily Herald last month, "The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park."
💭 Justin's thought bubble: I'm excited to see the city think big. I'm not sure the Bears are listening, but who said it has to be the Bears? I'd cheer for the Chicago Jaguars.
💭 Monica's thought bubble: I like the idea of making the Museum Campus a cool place for Chicagoans to visit all year round. But I want to see the financials.
2. Bite Club: Jail dip
Jail dip from the Citgo station at 5107 W. Madison St. Photos: Monica Eng/Axios
👋 Hey, it's Monica. An intriguing new dish has debuted in the cooler of a West Side Citgo station.
- Called jail dip, it's built like a seven-layer dip, but with ingredients commonly found in correctional facility commissaries.
What they're saying: "I started making it because a lot of people have just come from jail and asked me to make it for them," Citgo chef Victor "Papa Joe" Ortiz tells Axios.
- "People like it, and so now I am going to try to make it every week."
Context: "Jailhouse" recipes have recently become their own culinary genre.
- TikTok star Dpeezy demonstrates cakes, burritos and a McFlurry, while others offer recipes for pad thai and pizza.
How it's made: "This jail dip is rice, [ramen] noodles, chili beans, jalapeno, pickle and nacho cheese," Ortiz says.
- Everyone in the shop had their own opinion about the proper ingredients, with some insisting it should include summer sausage and others disavowing the pickle.
If you go: Ortiz, whose Citgo kitchen is at 5107 W. Madison St., suggests you warm his version in the microwave, add a topping of chips and mix it up.
- I tried this and scooped up one crunchy, cheesy, pickly, spicy, beany and intense bite of food. A little salty for me, but I could see it offering deep comfort during tough times.

3. Tips and hot links
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
🎭 The Goodman Theatre named its new artistic director. Susan Booth will replace Robert Falls in October. (Tribune)
🌊 Sen. Dick Durbin is pledging federal funds to restore the South Branch of the Chicago River, including Bubbly Creek. (Sun-Times)
🎰 A River North neighborhood group wants the Bally's casino to scrap plans for a music venue and to instead create a public park. (Block Club)
🏈 Bears star linebacker Roquan Smith isn't expected to report to training camp today. He's holding out for a contract extension. (NBC Sports)
4. Your favorite Detroit-style pizza
Detroit-style pizza from Paulie Gee's in Logan Square. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
We fought over the best local Detroit-style pizza last week. Monica chose Five Squared Pizza and Justin chose Paulie Gee's.
Here are more great suggestions:
Chris C.: "Fat Chris' Detroit-style (in west Andersonville) is incredible. I grew up loving tavern-style in the 'burbs, but Fat Chris' has become the most-ordered pizza in our household for the last few years. (And no, I am not the Fat Chris, just another fat Chris.)"
- Mary G., Becca S. and Shai S. agree.
Larry G.: "Coda di Volpe’s spicy pepperoni is saucy, cheesy and doughy. Add the hot chili pepper oil to top it off."
James P.: "A newer, rarer one for the South Siders is Red's the People's Pie. They do a monthly popup at the Rock Island Public House, which is essentially the best bar on the Far South Side."
Joe B.: "For those of us stuck out in the 'burbs, it's got to be B Square Pizza in Wheeling. Super delicious, and their large can last forever. Which reminds me that I could heat some up from the freezer for lunch."
Larry P.: "Station 34 Pizza Pub (named after Sweetness?!) in Mount Prospect. Tons of options, but I like the goat with garlic butter, goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms and grape tomatoes."
New jobs to check out
🌳 Branch out with our Job Board.
- Corporate Events Manager at New Home Star.
- Senior Copywriter at Upshot.
- Human Resources Coordinator at The American Dental Association.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
Hiring? Post a job.
5. Where in the world is ... Justin?

Where's Justin this week? Here's a hint:
- Chicago's favorite coast
- Where cars aren't favored the most
- A summer job to keep you in shape
- The only one left, built in 1838
📬 Guess correctly and you'll be entered into a drawing for Axios swag!
🧑🍳 Monica is interviewing the creative team behind "The Bear" this week. She has some praise but also questions about their depictions of Chicago restaurants. Reply with your own questions/beefs and she'll try to get them answered.
🤩 Justin thinks "The Bear" needs more Chicago celebrities. Joe Mantegna or a Dennis Franz in the kitchen yelling "BEHIND CHEF" would do the trick. Nice Skilling reference, though 😃.
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